Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Debate between Lord O'Neill of Clackmannan and Lord Dubs

Thursday 20th January 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Dubs]

I am grateful to both my noble friends. I think that I understand it now. I am sorry that I did not do so before, but it is the time of the night.

[Lord O'Neill of Clackmannan]

Before my noble friend leaves this point, is it not the case that it would not be impossible—unless this amendment was passed—for Argyll and Bute to be linked to a constituency in Northern Ireland? After all, until fairly recently there was a short ferry service between Argyll and the Mull of Kintyre and the north of Ireland. Therefore, this is not beyond the bounds of possibility. The draconian powers with which the Boundary Commission will be endowed would enable it to play ducks and drakes with all parts of these islands. While it might be mutually beneficial for Scotland and Northern Ireland and a number of areas to get closer, it is not necessary for them to enjoy the same parliamentary constituencies. Without this amendment, we might well have that.